Jose minds gap as Utd return to main stage
JOSE MOURINHO last night admitted a gap remains to the continent’s elite ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League return.
Europa League glory brought a much-needed return to European football’s top table, with last season just the second time in 22 years that the Red Devils had missed out.
Mourinho believes the Champions League is the “natural habitat” of the three-time European champions, who kick-off Group A against Basle at Old Trafford tonight.
It will be United’s first match in the competition for 644 days and appears a great chance to hit the ground running, although the Portuguese knows quite a challenge lies in wait.
“Motivation is very important and of course motivation is very high,” said Mourinho said.
“I think in the Champions League there are four or five teams with an incredible level of quality, of experience, of know-how and that’s what makes the difference.
“Apart from that, there are many teams in the Champions League that are very similar to teams in the Europa League.
“In fact, Feyenoord and Anderlecht, who we played last year in the Europa League, were champions in their countries and now are in the Champions League.
“We have to try to qualify, we have to try to go to the last 16 and enjoy that special knockout phase with the best teams in Europe.”
United’ will be boosted by the return of Marouane Fellaini – a divisive figure whose midfield presence was missed in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Stoke.
But Mourinho has no doubt about the Belgian’s value to his side. He added: “He’s a very important player for me. I feel weaker without Fellaini in my squad.”